How to hang a picture properly?

A simple guide without headaches

An empty wall often raises more questions than answers: what size? at what height? one or more? If you’ve ever faced this problem, you’re not alone. The good news is: there are a few clear rules that will help you hang pictures confidently and beautifully. Let’s go step by step.

Mission Possible: How to choose the right painting size? 🖼 Have you ever felt hopeless trying to choose the perfect painting size for your home wall? A painting should not only become an important interior accent, but also blend harmoniously with the space.

1) First things first – size and proportions (a little formula that always works)

• Rule 2/3–3/4. The painting (or composition) should occupy ~ 66–75% of the area of ​​the wall being decorated or the width of the furniture above which it hangs. For example, a sofa 210 cm → width of the painting/composition 140–160 cm.
• "Breathing" zones. Leave at least 10-15 cm from the outer edges of the wall so that the image does not "stick" to the corners.

2) Eye level – a height that creates comfort

• Gallery standard: center of painting ~ 145–152 cm from the floor.
• Above furniture: leave a 15-25 cm gap from the top of the furniture to the bottom of the painting.
• Exceptions:
  • In a children's room - children are more comfortable at eye level of 120–130 cm .
  • On a staircase – follow the line of the stairs and keep the center height from the steps the same .

3) One highlight or gallery?

Quick composition recipes:

1. Solo accent. One larger work, bold scale. Perfect above a sofa or bed.
2. Gallery grid. 4-9 frames in even rows. Keep even spacing – 5-8 cm .
3. Salon (free-flowing). A variety of formats with a clear "center" of work. Maintain a common top or bottom line to create a sense of order.

4) Unity and rhythm – so that the whole wall “sounds”

• Color harmony. Choose 2-3 colors from the interior (textiles, carpet, curtains) and let them repeat in the art or frames.
• Frames and trims. Frames of the same shade "tie" different motifs together; the trim adds air and highlights the image.
• Visual mass. If the motif is calm, it can hang alone. If it is bright, balance it with a second, quieter work nearby.

5) Where to hang in different spaces?

• Living room: one large accent above the sofa or gallery with 5-8 cm gaps.
• Bedroom: calm motifs above the headboard, composition width 70–85% of the bed width.
• Dining room: hang so that it can be seen when sitting (eye level when sitting ~ 120 cm ).
• Corridor/hallway: In narrow spaces, choose a taller, narrower format to visually "lift" the space.
• Stairs: An arrangement that rises parallel to the railing – looks neat and dynamic.
• Children's room: hang at children's eye level , choose lighter frames, and secure mountings.

6) Stress-free fastening (and without unnecessary holes)

• Paper templates. Cut out shapes the size of paintings, attach them with tape, look at them from a distance - you'll instantly see if everything is in place.
• Leveling. Use a spirit level (or a phone app).
• Wall type:
  • Drywall: choose special anchors.
  • Masonry/concrete: plug-in plugs where necessary.
  • Rental housing: adhesive tape/tape hooks are a great temporary solution (check weight limits).
• Two hooks > one. For large jobs, two attachment points ensure horizontality and stability.
• Soft "cushions" in the corners. Prevents slipping and protects the wall.

7) Light – the “fourth frame”

• General + accent. Soft general lighting and directional lights (or track lights) for the piece.
• Avoid direct sunlight. It fades colors; if there is a window nearby, curtains or blinds help.
• Glass in frames. Where there are a lot of reflections, choose anti-reflective .

8) Quick plan in 15 minutes

1. Measure the wall and ( if any ) the furniture.
2. Choose a scale of 2/3–3/4 width.
3. Set the center at 145–152 cm .
4. Lay out the paper templates and check for gaps of 5–8 cm.
5. Mark the mounting points, check with a spirit level.
6. Hang on. Step back 3-4 steps and adjust if necessary.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• The work is too small for a large wall. Enlarge the format or create a gallery .
• It's hung too high. Lower it to eye level and the space will instantly feel cozier.
• Chaotic spacing. Keep it consistent at 5–8 cm .
• A mix of frames. For consistency, choose frames of the same color or a uniform color for the frame.
• Ignore the furniture below. A distance of 15–25 cm from the top of the furniture is the golden rule.

European interior trends for 2025 that will help you decide

• Large-format canvases (one bold accent) – especially in modern and Scandinavian interiors.
• Asymmetric galleries with "air" zones - fewer but larger works.
• Black, natural wood or champagne-toned frames – effortless order and elegance.
• Textures and warm neutral palettes – canvases, rugs, linen details.
• Picture ledges and "propping" art on consoles - it's easy to change the mood without drilling.

A little reminder before hanging

• ☐ I measured the wall/furniture
• ☐ I chose 2/3–3/4 scale
• ☐ I set the center at 145–152 cm
• ☐ I planned for 5–8 cm spacings
• ☐ I checked the wall type and fixings
• ☐ I viewed the composition from a distance and while sitting (if dining room)
• ☐ I thought about lighting

Finally

A painting is not just a beautiful image. It is a mood , a story and a rhythm that connects the entire space. If you are in doubt about the size or arrangement – ​​trust these rules and boldly experiment . And if you want even more ideas, take a look at our world of painting collections – from single-part canvases to triptychs and gallery sets. At GERA NAMIE you will find over 2000 options and, if necessary, write to us – we will advise you from the heart .